Pricing at Qdoba is a bit of a moving target. If you walk into a location in downtown Chicago, you’re going to pay a different price than if you’re hitting a suburban drive-thru in Ohio. Basically, you’re looking at a range. For a standard 2026 "Create Your Own" bowl, most people end up spending somewhere between $10.50 and $14.50.
Why such a wide gap? It mostly comes down to your choice of protein and where that specific restaurant is paying rent.
Adobo Chicken is almost always your cheapest bet. It usually hovers around that $11 mark. If you’re feeling fancy and go for the Brisket Birria or the Grilled Steak, don't be surprised when the total jumps closer to $13 or $14. Honestly, the price of beef has been so volatile lately that steak prices are the first thing to tick upward on the digital menu boards.
The "Free" Perk Everyone Forgets
One thing that makes Qdoba's bowl price actually a decent value compared to competitors like Chipotle is the "all-in" philosophy. You’ve probably been burned before by the "guac is extra" line. At Qdoba, it isn't.
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When you buy a bowl, the guacamole and the 3-Cheese Queso are included in the base price. You don't pay $2.50 for a scoop of green stuff. This is a massive factor when you’re calculating how much a bowl actually costs you. If you were to add those extras at other fast-casual spots, an $11 bowl quickly becomes a $16 bowl. At Qdoba, that $11.50 price tag is the "out the door" price for the food itself.
Breaking Down the Proteins
Prices aren't flat across the board. Here is a rough look at what you’ll likely see on the menu today:
- Veggie Bowl: Usually the baseline, often starting around $10.25. You get extra guac or fajita veggies to make up for the lack of meat.
- Grilled Adobo Chicken: The most popular choice, typically sitting at $11.35 to $11.75.
- Ground Beef: Usually matched with chicken or just slightly higher, around $11.50.
- Pulled Pork (Carnitas): This one varies, but expect $11.95 in most markets.
- Grilled Steak: The premium tier, often hitting $12.75 to $13.50.
- Impossible™ Plant-Based Protein: Surprisingly, this often costs as much as the steak, usually around $12.65.
The Mini Bowl and the Double Protein Trap
Sometimes you aren't that hungry. Or maybe you're trying to save five bucks. The Mini Bowl is a real thing, and it usually costs about $8.50 to $9.00. It’s basically a smaller portion of the standard bowl, but be warned: it feels significantly smaller. If you're looking for a full meal, the extra two dollars for the regular size is almost always worth it.
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Then there is the "Post-Workout" or Double Protein bowl. These are marketed as specific items, but they’re just the regular bowls with an extra scoop of meat. An extra serving of protein typically adds about $3.50 to $4.50 to your total. So, a double steak bowl is easily pushing $18.00 before you even grab a drink.
Why the Location Matters So Much
I mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating: Qdoba uses "tiered pricing."
A franchise owner in a high-traffic airport or a stadium is going to charge significantly more than a corporate-owned store in a small town. Airport prices are notoriously inflated—sometimes by as much as 30%. I've seen bowls at Denver International or O'Hare hit $17.00 for just the basic chicken.
Also, if you're ordering through third-party apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, the price isn't the same. Those apps often have a "menu markup" to cover the commission fees. A bowl that costs $11.50 in the store might show up as $13.75 in the app. Plus delivery fees. Plus service fees. Plus tip. Suddenly, your "cheap" lunch is $25.
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What about the "Chef-Crafted" Bowls?
Qdoba has been pushing their signature eats lately, like the Chicken Queso Bowl or the Cholula® Hot & Sweet Chicken Bowl. Generally, these are priced exactly the same as if you built them yourself. They’re just "shortcuts" on the menu to help you order faster. The price is dictated by the protein (Chicken, Steak, etc.) rather than the specific combination of toppings.
How to Get the Best Value
If you're trying to maximize your dollar, go for the Chicken Queso Bowl. You’re getting the most popular protein and the signature sauce without any upcharges.
Another tip? Join the rewards program. They are pretty aggressive with "Buy One, Get One" deals or "Free Chips and Queso" offers. Since the base price of a bowl is already inclusive of the "premium" toppings, using a reward for a free entree is a high-value move.
Check your local digital menu before you go. Prices are updated in real-time now, and with the way food costs move in 2026, the price you paid last month might have ticked up by twenty cents today.
To get the most accurate price for your specific neighborhood, open the Qdoba app and set your "favorite" location. This will show you the exact subtotal for your bowl before you leave the house. If you're looking to save, stick to the Adobo Chicken and avoid the third-party delivery apps.